Jack Barker and Cornets Prinzess took out the Turiya Farms Mini Prix Championship at this year’s Australian Jumping Championships. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
Some riders dream of the top – Jack Barker is already building his pathway there. What began as a childhood fascination with dressage horses has evolved into a rapidly rising showjumping career, powered by work ethic, patience and a growing collection of talented horses.
At just 18, Jack Barker has already jumped his first World Cup qualifier and won major Young Horse and Mini Prix titles. And now, with school behind him, he’s ready to take things up a gear.
Despite still being fresh out of high school, Jack manages a string of horses that would make any established professional proud.
At the top of the list is Bellhaven Calisco (Bellhaven Carouse x Monte Bellini), a nine-year-old chestnut gelding with enormous scope and promise. The pair made their World Cup qualifier debut just a month ago at the Boneo World Cup – a major step for both horse and rider.
“He went very well. I think he’s going to be a really good horse for the future,” Jack says.
Not far behind is Cornet Prinzess (Cornet Pilatus x Above the Clouds), a competitive nine-year-old mare purchased from Bridget Kelly, who recently claimed victory in the Turiya Farms Mini Prix Championship at the 2025 Pet Circle Australian Jumping Championships.
“She’s probably my favourite because she’s the most competitive. I can really wind her up in a jump-off.”
Jack riding Cornet Prinzess (Cornet Pilatus x Above the Clouds). Image by Equisoul Photography.
“I think he’s going to
be a really good horse
for the future.”
Oaks Cryptic (Contendro x Vivant), a newer addition to the stable, has just begun stepping into Mini Prix territory – a horse Jack expects to shine with future mileage.
He also campaigns two talented Young Rider-level horses: Tulara On Trend, who is part-owned with Yandoo Park and already a multiple Young Rider class winner; and Tulara For Quinar, owned by Susan McKay and a reliable partner for competitive miles.
Then there’s the next generation: two-, four-, and six-year-olds from Tulara Warmbloods. The standouts so far? Tulara Karash (Karajan x For Fashion), winner of the Howden Equine Insurance Six-Year-Old class at P.S.I. Dressage and Jumping with the Stars – a moment that felt particularly exciting.
“I think there’s a big difference between winning a Young Rider class or a Mini Prix and then winning a Young Horse class. Because I’ve pretty much done all the work for that horse myself, I get a big kick out of winning. Particularly at Jumping with the Stars, as those classes are hard to win.”
This mix – horses ready for international qualifiers and those still learning their craft – is deliberate. Jack isn’t chasing short-term success; he’s building a long runway. “I’m really lucky to have the horses we have. It’s pretty special and very exciting for the future.”
Jack riding Tulara On Trend, who is part-owned with Yandoo Park. Image by One Eyed Frog Photography.
BALANCING HORSES & YEAR 12
Until this month, Jack’s days were split between VCE studies and horses. He studied English, Further Maths, Methods Maths, and VET Equine (completing business management in Year 11). The choice to do four studies made riding alongside Year 12 more manageable; additionally, Jack only kept the top three in work.
“Now that school’s finished, I’ve been riding them all. It’s good being able to put some focus into them again.”
Next year also brings another balancing act: launching his own equestrian business from home, increasing his coaching load, and starting university It’s ambitious – but ambition seems to suit him. “I want to do as much riding as I can and still fit in uni. Just one or two days a week, maybe online.”
Jack talks through the intended schedule with the kind of maturity required at the top level – not just talent, but planning.
GROUNDED IN DRESSAGE
Long before the big tracks and adrenaline-fuelled jump-offs, Jack was deeply committed to dressage.
“Mum was a dressage rider and she was the one who introduced me to horses. I was eight when I started riding,” explains Jack. “We got my first serious pony when I was nine, Harley (Genteel Mischief). He was an amazing dressage horse, which we did together, and I tried to do eventing on him, but he wasn’t as bold on cross-country.
“I’d always do a really good dressage test, and we’d be winning or in the top three and then I’d always fall off on cross country or stuff something up, which turned me off eventing a bit.”
Together the pair successfully went from competing Preliminary to competing Advanced at Interschools competitions. Jack credits his success in jumping to his dressage background.
“It translated really well to jumping, all that adjustability training you do for dressage teaching the gears is just as important when it comes to setting up strides for jumping.”
THE HORSE WHO LIT THE FIRE
Just before Covid, the Barker family purchased Mighty Tosca, a seasoned four-star event horse. The intention was to continue eventing – until the pandemic arrived. “He was 17 when we bought him but by the time the pandemic was over it was not fair on him to go out on cross country. He already had an amazing showjumping record for an event horse, so I just show jumped him, and he just kept winning classes,” Jack laughs.
Jack and the horse who “lit the fire”, former star eventer turned show jumper Mighty Tosca. Image by EMB Photographics.
“I think that’s how my love for show jumping started. From there we purchased Tulara Colchic, who was another incredible horse. We went on to win the Young Rider class at the 2023 Pryde’s EasiFeed Australian Jumping Championships together.”
These horses didn’t just teach Jack to win – they taught him what winning required.
TRAINING WITH PURPOSE
At home, Jack avoids unnecessary height, aiming instead for confidence and consistency. “I only really ever jump big right before a show. I like to save them.”
He prefers small fences frequently, always having a grid set up even if it’s just poles to practise the lines rather than the heights. He finds this suits the young ones in learning the basics and the sensitive, over-eager ones who relax into the rhythm of doing different lines each day at a low height to make shows less exciting.
Jack riding Tulara for Quinar. Image by Michelle Terlato Photography.
Jack also trains online with Michelle Strapp. “She’s an amazing person; she’s one of the best for sure. I don’t really get to have formal lessons with her but I’m always on the phone to her discussing the horses. I also send her videos and she’s really good with watching videos and getting back to me really fast and sending detailed feedback. I’ll work on it and then I’ll get back in touch with her, and it works really well.”
Jack’s two indoor competitions this year at Tamworth World Cup Show and Waratah World Cup Show cemented the need for adjustability when it comes to the tighter arenas.
“The hardest part though was the atmosphere; our horses aren’t used to it. They’re just a bit distracted and not really switched on. It’d be good if we had more indoor shows, or even one in Victoria, especially because the FEI World Cup Final is indoor.”
LOOKING AHEAD
Jack has already travelled to Europe previously to train with Australians Edwina Tops-Alexander, Jamie Kermond, and Chris Burton (Jamie and Chris are now based back in Australia). He’s also had the opportunity to help Jacob Wells with the horses he has overseas, which cemented the goal of competing internationally.
“It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before. It’s just a different sport over there. Earlier this year, I was able to go back over and saw Jacob and Edwina, as well as CHIO Aachen, and it was phenomenal.”
With the team he’s got at home it wouldn’t be surprising if Jack and one of his horses were a potential hopeful for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “There’s no reason not to aim for it,” Jack smiles. “We’ll just keep going and stay determined and we’ll see how we go.” EQ
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